Good morning, Springfield.

This weekend, Springfield and nearby Lincoln will host events including a hot air balloon festival with a 5k run, a house music festival at Lincoln Park, a Mustang and Ford car show at Landmark Ford, a cooking class with Chef Nino at Harvest Market, and a Ninja Night for kids at Springfield Gymnastics Center — each event offering fun for all ages.

A semi-truck caught fire on Interstate 55 southbound near milepost 72 at 10:34 a.m. Tuesday—traffic was diverted at milepost 80 in Divernon with vehicles re-entering at exit 72 in Farmersville and no injuries were reported.

Springfield Police arrested Contavious Kidd on Monday for multiple drug charges and illegal firearm possession—police found 80 grams of suspected heroin, 28 grams of suspected cocaine, 52 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 94 grams of suspected cannabis and 112 grams of suspected fentanyl along with two illegal firearms during a search of his home.

Springfield Police reported a shooting before 6 p.m. Monday in the 2200 block of South 14th Street that left one person dead and two injured—victims were taken to area hospitals as the investigation continues.

The Springfield City Council passed an ordinance to hold property owners accountable by creating a registry for properties with three or more citations in 12 months— the rule will also raise fines for owners with multiple violations and covers both homes and businesses.

The UIS women's soccer program today named Hailey Parungao as its new assistant coach—she brings valuable experience from roles at Illinois and with Peoria City in the WPSL and will start immediately to support student-athlete development.

Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.

Springfield Virtual Job Fair

4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.

Healing Arts Festival

2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.